Dear friends, what epic times we find ourselves in. Certainly the Mabon/Equinox theme of letting go is at play for so many of us as we take stock of our lives and the extra complexities they may be undergoing as a consequence. It would seem that we are each tasked with navigating our own uniquely difficult terrain in these times ahead. And yet, it’s so important that we find ways to support each other while not putting the vulnerable in…
A Belated Solstice Salutations! As some of you are aware it has been an intense couple of months for us with bush fires coming to within a few hundred metres from where we live. There have been many days dedicated to working with others to blackout fires as they reached the creek that boarders our community and beyond to neighbouring properties. Luckily we had the support of the NPWS (NSW Parks and Wildlife Services) and the RFS, at…
Spring Equinox was such a beautiful day for me: packed with memorable moments that, while not extraordinary perhaps, were bookmarks due to a delicious depth of presence that stayed with me the entire day. A sleep in, followed by a morning play with Akai (who chases toes around the bedroom while we are getting dressed), a river ‘misogi’ (purification) and a hot brewed coffee on the deck overlooking the river when we got back. I spent most of the…
Down at the depth of night now. Breath steaming mornings, crisp and clear. Short days, mild, sun-warmed back, open to the day. Long evenings, warmed by fire, feet toasty. My favourite time of year. The time of pruning fruit trees. Such an art to know each tree, how and when she fruits. Which wood to take, what to leave. I am slowly finding my way with the secateurs. The chainsaw and axe is a more familiar route but…
The Great Turning[1] is underway. Are you a part of this? Or are you looking the other way? Time for inaction has run out. Reconnecting with the natural world that is the source of life, is the first step in remembering who we are. When we remember who we are, all manner of opportunities to be a part of the Great Turning arise. Have you put your bare feet on the earth lately? Have you watched a sunset or been awake…
Summer Solstice Salutations, Tomorrow morning Russ and I will be walking the Dorrigo labyrinth with family, friends and community in acknowledgment of the longest day of the year and the shortest night. It’s a little strange to think we are already ‘mid-summer’ (given the lag effect means that the hottest months are yet to come), but so it is. Then home with family to continue on the festivities, as this is a weekend off for us to melt into…
Spring equinox salutations! Looking out into our minimalist garden this spring, it is evident that we are in one of the worst droughts to hit the state for years. Consequently, Russ and I have decided to invest in a glockemann pump and put it in down at the creek 70 metres below. It will mean that we can keep our food garden thriving next year, which has become a priority. It will also mean that our ducks will finally get…
Winter solstice is upon us. For us here at Ningendo, this time of year sees cosy fires, frosty mornings and beautiful sunny days. The winter sun is gentle and the short days give long evenings by the fire reading and working on projects long accumulated. As always the list of tasks waiting attention extends over the horizon, and as always the top ten is a fluid mix. One thing at a time is a great illusion. The juggling act is…
$40.00 free postage The ‘Wise Wheels’ are now available as a beautiful set of 6 gift cards! They have been lovingly created in a collaborative weaving with my sisters, with the background artwork by Lucy Pierce (www.lucypierce.com). These ‘maps’ help us to bring our connection with the natural world into conscious awareness where we can have access to their wisdom in our everyday life. At a time when there is so much disconnection in the world these cards help us…
$7.95 free postage The ‘Wise Wheels’ are now available as a beautiful set of 6 gift cards! They have been lovingly created in a collaborative weaving with my sisters, with the background artwork by Lucy Pierce (www.lucypierce.com). These ‘maps’ help us to bring our connection with the natural world into conscious awareness where we can have access to their wisdom in our everyday life. At a time when there is so much disconnection in the world these cards…